So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

Blythe is a literary agent and has co-authored two books with her mother, Helen McIntosh. Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters and I Love You, Mom!: Cherished Word Gifts from My Heart to Yours.   Take a few minutes to meditate on Mark 2:1-12 and then tune into this interview to hear where God led Blythe.   Some highlights from our conversation: We discuss how the man in this passage was physically paralyzed and needed healing – and how we might be paralyzed in other ways and also in need of healing. How Jesus not only forgave the man, but also healed him – and what that says about Jesus’s true identity. What it was like for Blythe and her mom to write a book together. How her mother, Helen, broke the cycle of destructive parenting and what that taught Blythe as she parents her own children. How Blythe seeks to build bridges and not walls with her children.   The exact verses read in this podcast are Matthew 15:21-28 in the NIV.   You can find Blythe and Helen at  https://ourmendedhearts.com/ You can follow Blythe on Instagram: @blythe.daniel And on Facebook: @blythe.daniel The exact verses read in this podcast are: Mark 2:1-12, NIV A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2 They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7 “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? 9 Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 12 He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sharifa is an author, editor, speaker and singer. She’s also graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and lately she has been filling her days as the homeschool mom of two young boys.   Take a few minutes to meditate on Luke 5:4-11 and then tune into this interview to hear where God led Sharifa.   Some highlights from our conversation: How the Lord used this process of Scripture meditation to help Sharifa see where she was holding God at arm’s length. How this Scripture spoke to and encouraged Sharifa in her experience as a black woman to continue fighting the righteous fight and being a strong witness for justice – even when she won’t see the full fulfillment of these things. How the Lord encouraged Sharifa with the concept of consistency and kindness – and to not give up on people.   You can find Sharifa at https://sharifastevens.com/ And follow her on Instagram @sharifawrites And Facebook @sharifahaylestevens     The exact verses read in this podcast are Luke 5:4-11 in the NIV.   4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Lance is an author, speaker, non-profit coach and the founder of Hope is Alive Ministries, whose mission is to radically chance the lives of drug addicts, alcoholics and those who love them.   Take a few minutes to listen to the Scripture experience podcast to meditate on Matthew 18 with Lectio Divina and then listen to this conversation to hear where God led Lance.   In our conversation you will hear: What having a child-like faith means for Lance. What to do as we get older and start to constantly question God. How leading Hope is Alive Ministries has given Lance a front row seat to seeing God miraculously change lives. Where Lance started to experience the all sufficient grace of Christ in his own life.   If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Please call this confidential number to get connected with Hope is Alive to find the support you need. God can and is still doing miracles through this ministry. 1-844-3-HOPENOW You can find Lance at https://lancelang.com/ On Instagram: @lancelang On Facebook: @lancelangOKC On Twitter: @lancelang   You can find Hope is Alive here     The exact verses read in the podcast and printed below are Matthew 18:1-7, NIV.   At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. 6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Liz and her husband Chris serve as the founding Senior Pastors of Relevant Church in Daytona Beach, Fl. Liz also serves as the ministry administrator, overseeing operations for Relevant Church and she serves on the Equip team at Leading and Loving It – where she writes resources and devotions. Liz is also a speaker, worship leader and author who enjoys encouraging others to fulfill their destiny and reach their full potential in God. Take a few minutes to meditate on Matthew 15 and then tune into this interview to hear where God led Liz.   Some highlights from our conversation: We talk about how we can forget what God has done in the past and how he has provided for us. And that when we offer him what we have, he will make It enough. Liz shares her prayer asking Jesus to help her trust him more - and how she imagines Jesus would respond. We also talk about getting to the place of feeling like we are “over it” and how Jesus wants to help us become overcomers.   You can find Liz at: https://www.relevantfl.org/ Instagram: @liz_sarno Facebook: @lizsarno   Here’s the passage for your convenience:   Matthew 15:29-38, NIV 29 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. 32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” 33 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” 34 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” 35 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Barbie is an author, speaker, and coach. Her passion is sharing the story of God’s redeeming love and grace in her life – which she and her husband share in their book – The Right Combination: Finding Love and Life After Divorce. Her other passion is helping women discover and embrace their true identity, value and purpose.   Take a few minutes to listen to the experience podcast doing Lectio Divina on Matthew 10 and then tune into this interview to hear where God led Barbie.   Some highlights from our conversation: God sees us, even in the dark places, and he will help us through. Our stories need to be heard. When God brings us through hard seasons, we need to proclaim what happened so others know someone has gone before them. When Barbie got divorced, she believed God couldn’t use her anymore. She was wrong, very wrong. We talk about Barbie’s ministry, BRAVE 1, and what it means to her and why God called her to this work.   You can find Barbie at the following: https://www.brave1.net/ Instagram: @mrsbarbiearmenta Facebook: @BarbieA Note: Barbie just changed her Instagram handle. It is stated different in the podcast, but the above link is correct.   Here’s the passage for your convenience: Matthew 10:26-31, NIV 26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Trey Grant is a graduate of Hampton University and has a Master of Religion from Redeemer Theological Seminary. Trey is currently the lead pastor of The Well Church in Keller, Texas – which is an intentionally diverse community that is seeking to worship Jesus together as a family. Take a few minutes to listen to the experience podcast doing Lectio Divina on Matthew 11 and then tune into this interview to hear where God led Trey. Some highlights from our conversation: How Scripture is living and why we can expect God to show up in personal ways as we read his Word. The usefulness of a yoke and why we want to take Jesus up on his offer to be yoked to him. What it’s like for Trey to lead a diverse community of Christ followers and how he counsels his congregation to lay aside differences and seek Christ first. The One Minute Pause App and how that has been a helpful tool in Trey’s walk with the Lord. You can find Trey and the Well Church below: https://www.thewellchurchkeller.org/ Instagram: @treygrant_ Facebook: @pastortreygrant Here’s the passage for your convenience: Matthew 11:25-30, NIV: 25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Steve is the Founder and President of Leadership Transformations, Inc (LTI). which focuses on the spiritual formation needs of leaders and the spiritual discernment processes of leadership teams in local church and parachurch ministry settings nationwide. He is also the Director of the Pierce Center for Discipleship-Building at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is also a thought-provoking author of over a dozen books and has a new book out called: The Discerning Life: An Invitation to Notice God in Everything. Take a few minutes to meditate on Luke 24:25-34 and then tune into this interview to hear where God led Steve.   Some highlights from our conversation: The downtrodden disciples and how they had their eyes closed. And how Jesus loving invited them to reconnect with him. What a burning heart is and isn’t Steve’s new book and how he desires to help us expand our definition of discernment. Steve’s take on Lectio Divina and what it’s a meaningful practice for him in her personal journey with the Lord. Steve’s mentor, Reuben Job, and the influence he had on Steve’s ministry.   The exact verses read in this podcast are Luke 24:25-34 in the NIV.   You can find Steve at https://www.stevemacchia.com/ You can find Reuben Job’s prayer guides here You can find Steve’s new book here Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Nika Spaulding has a Master of Theology and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Ministry. She recently helped plant a church called St Jude Oak Cliff in Oak Cliff, Dallas where she serves as the Resident Theologian. Take a few minutes to meditate on John 20 and then tune into this interview to hear where God led Nika.   In this conversation we talk about What it must have been like for Mary. And how our own grief journey can help us enter into this story in a more observant way. How Mary got that one moment we all long for when someone we love dies – to have one more conversation to say all the things we left unsaid. That there is a day coming when all will be made right, and we will be reunited with the people we love who have died in Christ. How to properly say “zoology” and how Nika’s Zoology degree has proved helpful (or not) to her current role in ministry. And as a bonus, I left our funny little outtake in for you. Nika thought we were done, but I was still going. It gave us both a good laugh - and it was very sweet of her too.  The exact verses read in this podcast are John 20:1, 11-18 in the NIV. You can find out more about Nika and her podcast, God on Tap, at https://www.nikaspaulding.com/ You can find her online theology classes here Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Create some space to reflect on the last few moments of Jesus’s life. He endured death, so we coule have life. It’s tempting to skip straight to the resurrection – it’s the glorious and victorious part of the story. One we don’t want to miss. But it’s also important to remember and reflect on what made the resurrection possible. Special guest reader, Earl Davidson, leads us through the passage and Jodie will guide you through reflection and prayer. The exact verses read in the podacts are Matthew 27:27-56, MSG translation. You can find Jodie at Jodieniznik.com Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @jodieniznik Download your free Lectio Divina Guided journal here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dr. Sandra Glahn is a professor at Dallas theological seminary. She has authored and co-authored over 20 books, both fiction and non-fiction. She is also a journalist and speaker who loves to use her voice to advocate for thinking that transforms – especially on topics related to art, gender, sexual intimacy in marriage, and the first century backgrounds as they relate to gender. Take a few minutes to meditate on Matthew 26 and then tune into this interview to hear where God led Dr. Glahn.   In this conversation we talk about The different kisses given to the Son – the kiss of betrayal and the kiss of worship. How our zeal to defend the Lord can sometime have the exact opposite effect of what we intend. Peter’s good intentions – to stay awake, to defend Jesus and even to die with him. Dr. Glahn’s coming book on the goddess Artemis of the Ephesians – and why it matters that we understand who she was when Paul was writing his letters.   The exact verses read in this podcast are Matthew 26:47-56 in the NIV. You can find Dr. Glahn and her thoughtful writing about at http://aspire2.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.